ASTOR's main operating base is to be at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, which houses Squadron Headquarters, maintenance, support and training facilities. In 2004 Number 5 (AC) Squadron was re-formed at Waddington specifically to operate ASTOR.

As prime contractor Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) is responsible for delivering full capability: hardware, software, infrastructure, training and a comprehensive ten year CLS package. RSL has now established a team of personnel at the base to manage these activities.

RSL has been responsible for establishing and building the entire ASTOR complex at Waddington, including both the Squadron headquarters as well as the sophisticated training facility itself. In addition to classrooms, offices and student rest facilities the complex includes a Training Equipment Hall and a range of advanced training aids including a Fixed Base Flight Crew Trainer, Rear Crew Trainer, Ground Station Crew Trainer, a Target Generator and Radar Simulator, and a Mission Interface Simulator.

Training for the first group of students commenced during early 2005. At its peak RSL will be responsible for training up to 40 students at any one time.